Horseback Ball Game System and Method

ABSTRACT

An embodiment horseback ball game method comprises a first horseback player throwing a ball to a second horseback player, the second horseback player receiving the ball, a third horseback player receiving the ball, and a first receiver on an elevated platform receiving the ball after the second and third horseback players receive the ball. An embodiment horseback ball game comprises a horse-compatible playing surface, a first goal near a first end of the playing field, the first goal comprising a first elevated platform, a first marking on the playing surface surrounding the first goal and indicating a first score zone area, a second goal near a second end of the playing field opposite the first end, the second goal comprising a second elevated platform, and a second marking on the playing surface surrounding the second goal and indicating a second score zone area.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/351,079, filed on Jun. 3, 2010, entitled “Horseback Ball Game System and Method,” which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a ball game system and method, and more particularly to a horseback ball game system and method.

BACKGROUND

Rodeos are popular sporting exhibitions held throughout the United States, as well as in other countries, such as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, New Zeeland, etc., where ranching and western-style horse skills are prevalent. Rodeos generally are held in rodeo arenas, but may be held in any enclosed, fenced-in, or even open area suitable for horseback riding.

Rodeos generally include a series of events in which individuals compete against each other for awards and prize money. Such events may include steer wrestling, bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, goat tying, bull or steer riding, tie-down or calf roping, team roping, and the like.

Generally, most rodeo events are individual competitions. In some events a competitor may receive some help, such as in bull riding when rodeo clowns distract a bull to prevent the bull from hurting a thrown rider. As another example, a steer wrestling competitor may receive assistance from a horseback rider who keeps the steer from veering away from the competitor. In these cases, the bull rider or steer wrestler generally is still the primary competitor in the respective event.

In general, team roping is the only professional rodeo event that may be considered a team event. One team member is the header and the other team member is the heeler. The header ropes a steer around the horns and/or neck and turns the steer 90 degrees. The heeler then rides in to the steer to rope both of the steer's hind legs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems in the prior art are generally solved or circumvented, and technical advantages are generally achieved, by preferred embodiments of the present invention which provide a horseback ball game league competition event for rodeos.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for a horseback ball game comprises a first horseback player throwing a ball to a second horseback player, the second horseback player receiving the ball, a third horseback player receiving the ball, and a first receiver on an elevated platform receiving the ball after the second and third horseback players receive the ball.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a horseback ball game playing field comprises a horse-compatible playing surface, a first goal near a first end of the playing field, the first goal comprising a first elevated platform, a first marking on the playing surface surrounding the first goal and indicating a first score zone area, a second goal near a second end of the playing field opposite the first end, the second goal comprising a second elevated platform, and a second marking on the playing surface surrounding the second goal and indicating a second score zone area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a horseback ball game initial setup in a rodeo arena.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The making and using of the presently preferred embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.

The present invention will be described with respect to preferred embodiments in a specific context, namely a team horseback ball game held in a rodeo arena. The invention may also be applied, however, to team horseback ball games held in other venues, such as other types of arenas and stadiums, a fenced-in field, an open field, exhibition halls, and the like.

As stated previously, most rodeo events are competitions between individuals. Even in those events that involve multiple people, such as team roping, the competitors still are identified by their individual names. While some people in a rodeo audience know some of the individuals competing in the rodeo, many of the attendees observe the exhibition without knowing or having any ties to the specific competitors. Thus, many attendees enjoy watching the rodeo, but to them the specific winner or outcome of any given event may be of minor significance.

Many of the attendees, therefore, attend the rodeo just once a year or once a season, while others attend slightly more or less than that. Without ties to specific competitors, the attendees view the rodeo events, enjoy the rodeo, and may satisfy their desire to see the rodeo for an extended time period. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to the rodeo, competitors and attendees to provide the attendees with more of a tie to the competitors in the rodeo, and provide them with more of an interest in the outcome of one or more rodeo events.

An embodiment of the invention includes a two-team horseback ball game played in a rodeo arena as one of the rodeo events. The general object for a team is to have the team's scorer or receiver catch a ball in a score zone. Generally, the ball is advanced up field by riders on horseback toward their score zone by way of riding, passing and handing-off while being defended by riders on the opposition team.

The competition generally takes place between two teams representing different entities to which people can relate and develop a bond. For example, as with many team sports, each team may represent a location, such as a city, county, state, country, or other type of geographic region. Alternatively, each team may represent a different group, such as a company, or any other type of organization.

Generally, attendees of the rodeo may pick a favorite team, such as the team representing their city, and identify with and cheer for that team. Generally, attendees then will have an interest in the outcome of the rodeo event in hoping that their team wins the event. Audience members may enjoy any given rodeo attendance more when they have a specific team that they want to win, thus increasing the enjoyment of the rodeo for that day.

Furthermore, having a team to follow may encourage people to attend the rodeo more often as their team competes in standings with other teams. In turn, the rodeo and the competitors may increase their revenue with the increased attendance. There may be regular league play, and there may be playoffs at the end of the season, with either single or series elimination.

An embodiment of the invention includes a regulation size rodeo arena as a standard playing field. Alternatively, the playing field may be set up in an area having suitable room for several rodeo horses to run and cut, such as a basketball arena, soccer field, football field, baseball stadium, and the like. The playing surface may be any surface suitable for horses to run on, such as dirt, grass, clay, turf, and the like.

An embodiment playing field is illustrated in FIG. 1. A center line may divide the playing field in two. The players on team A are represented by ‘A’s, and the players on team B are represented by ‘B’s. The four player markers on either side of the center line represent horseback riders. Each player marker in the large circle at either end represents a horseless player on top of a platform, such as a rodeo or other type of barrel, which itself is represented by the smaller circle.

The larger circles at each end of the arena (surrounding the players on top of the barrels) may designate about a 10-foot radius marked with chalk. The area may be referred to as a score zone or goal zone. This circle marks a zone that is off limits to the horseback players, and is intended to keep players on horseback out of that area to protect the players on top of the barrel. Alternatively, the radius of the circle may be a different dimension, such as between about 5 and about 20 feet, between about 5 and about 15 feet, and the like. Alternatively, the shape of the off-limits zone may be an oval, square, rectangle, and the like. In addition, other marking devices may be used other than chalk, such as lime, paint, different colored dirt, etc.

The barrels on which the players stand, and thus the center of the circles, may be about 30 feet from the end of the playing surface to provide horseback players enough space to ride behind the barrels, that is, between each barrel and the close end of the playing field. The circles alternatively may be in a different location on the field, such as 20 feet from the end of the playing surface, 25 feet, 35 feet, and the like.

Alternatively, playing fields and arenas with dimensions different from a regulation rodeo arena also may be used. Depending on available space, some arenas may be set up with a more compact layout, while others may be set up with a more expanded layout.

Again, the ‘A’s represent players on Team A and the ‘B’s represent players on Team B. The small circles with letters A and B inside the two large circles represent each of the goals of team A and team B, each of which is an additional player standing on a barrel. Alternatively, in place of a barrel the following may be used: an elevated platform, an elevated player, a player suspended from the ceiling or the walls, a player on top of another horse/animal, and the like.

Generally, five players for each team may be on the field at once (i.e., 5 on 5). Four of the players are on horseback, and the fifth player is elevated in the circle as the scorer or receiver. Alternatively, each team may have 3, 4, 6, 7 or 8 players. As another alternative, the player in the circle may not be elevated. Generally, each player may be on horseback, excluding the player inside the circle who is standing on top of the team's goal barrel.

Generally, the players may be dressed in western or cowboy uniforms representing their respective entity, such as their home city or region. The receivers may dress slightly differently, with added uniform or costume effects. For example the receivers may dress as rodeo clowns.

Generally, during game play, only one ball is active at a time. Alternatively, two or more balls may be in play at a time. Regulation balls may be soft, durable, and approximately the size of a regulation softball (giving players the ability to palm the ball). The ball may have the feel and consistency of, for example, a hacky sack type ball. The ball may be either stuffed or air pressurized, and alternatively may range in size from a tennis ball to a basketball. Generally, a player should be able to manipulate the ball with one hand, while controlling the horse with the other hand.

An object of the game is to score more points than the other team. Alternatively, an object of the game may be to score as many points as possible before regulation time ends. Alternatively, an object of the game may be to reach a certain score before the other team reaches that score.

Generally, play progresses with players on Team A passing the ball to each other in an attempt to score at their respective goal, where Goal A is the receiver standing on top of the barrel. A score for Team A occurs when the Goal A player successfully catches a pass from a team member. Likewise, players on Team B pass the ball to each other in an attempt to score at their respective goal, where Goal B is the receiver standing on top of the barrel. A score for Team B occurs when the Goal B player successfully catches a pass from a team member.

A game may consist of four 15-minute quarters with a 12-minute rest period (half-time) after the second quarter. Alternatively, each quarter may be between 10 and 20 minutes long each. Alternatively, games may consist of two halves, ranging in time from 10 to 40 minutes long each. Generally, fouls, player substitutions, and timeouts may indicate a stop in the game clock. Generally, if the score is tied at the conclusion of the fourth quarter, sequential five-minute overtime periods may be played until one team wins. In overtime, the first team to score may be the victor immediately, or, alternatively, the entire overtime period may be played.

Each team may be allowed two timeouts per half, each lasting no more than two minutes in duration. More or less timeouts of the same, shorter or longer durations also may be granted depending on the setup of the game.

Generally, for a made goal, one point may be awarded to the scoring team. Alternatively, different scoring mechanisms also may be utilized. For example, a diversity scoring system may be used, awarding more points (e.g., 2, 3, 5) for scoring when the Goal player remains on the barrel after a catch, a lower amount of points (e.g., 1, 2) for scoring when the Goal player falls off of the barrel after a catch. Alternatively, a point may be awarded or subtracted, e.g., for personal fouls that occur in the offensive zone. In addition, 1, 2, 3 or more points may be added or subtracted for any flagrant fouls.

Alternative scoring methods include incorporating a blue line, with a successful goal from behind the line being worth additional points. Alternatively, there may be a secondary circle inside the protective chalk circle. If a ball is caught outside of the secondary circle, the goal may be worth more points.

The ‘R’s in FIG. 1 represent regulators, and the ‘J’ represents the game judge. The four regulators may each have multiple balls in their possession. Regulators may be responsible for providing a new ball to a player on horseback when the previous ball in play hits the ground (i.e., becomes a dead ball). The regulator also may provide a ball to a horseback player when a goal is made.

When a ball is dropped on the field by one team (as in a turnover), the other team may gain possession. A player on horseback on the recovering team may receive a ball from the regulator nearest the point where the dead ball occurred. Alternatively, the receiver of a team may receive the inbound ball, or any of the other players may receive the inbound ball. Generally, the regulator nearest a loose ball on the field may be responsible for retrieving that dead ball.

Regulators also may possess a flag and a whistle. Regulators may blow the whistle to indicate the starting and stoppage of play, and point the flag in the appropriate direction to indicate possession.

Regulators may blow the whistle and throw a flag signaling a foul. This may occur, for example, when a player commits illegal physical contact (e.g., grabbing or slapping an opponent's arm(s), pushing an opponent, etc.), regardless of whether the player is on offense or defense, or has possession of the ball. Regulators may blow the whistle and throw a flag signaling a flagrant foul when unnecessary and/or excessive contact is committed against an opponent. When a foul occurs, the team that is fouled will regain possession of the ball.

Generally, if a foul occurs on the offense, it results in a turnover. Generally, if a foul occurs on the defense, team fouls 1-6 in the game result in a 30 second supremacy play opportunity. On the seventh team foul of the game, the foul results in a 2 minute supremacy play opportunity. Generally, each player may be allowed no more than six fouls per game. Alternatively, there may be additional types of fouls, and there may be different penalties assigned for the various types of fouls.

In one embodiment of playing the game, all four offensive horseback riders must throw the ball to or receive the ball from one another prior to scoring a goal at their respective barrel. That is, all four horseback players on the offensive team must touch the ball prior to scoring a goal. Alternatively, a different number of players, such as two or three, may be required to touch the ball before it may be received by the receiver for a score. Of course, the riders may throw and receive the ball more than once in their attempt to score a goal.

As another alternative, there may be a minimum number of passes required between riders before being allowed to throw to the scorer. For example, there may be a minimum of two, three, or four passes required before the team may attempt to throw to the scorer. In meeting the minimum number of passes, hand offs may either count as passes or not count as passes, depending on the specific embodiment.

In one embodiment, one player on horseback should remain back in the team's defensive zone. For example, when Team A has possession of the ball, one of its players on horseback must remain in the defensive zone, while the three other “Team A” players may proceed into the offensive zone. Generally, the defensive and offensive zones are delineated by the center line of the playing field. Alternatively, none of the riders, or more than one rider, may be required to remain in the defensive zone.

In one embodiment, there may be exceptions to the requirement that one rider remain in the defensive zone. For example, if the team with the ball is down by one or more points in, e.g., the final two minutes of the game, that team may have all of its riders enter the offensive zone if they choose. Should that team eventually tie the score, the requirement to keep one rider in the defensive zone may be reinstated.

Generally, to score a goal, one of the players on horseback completes a pass to the teammate standing on the barrel. The player on the barrel may catch the ball while standing on the barrel, or may jump off of the barrel in pursuit of catching the ball, but generally should have possession prior to hitting the ground. A rider may be required to be in the team's offensive zone to throw the ball to the scorer for a score or goal. Alternatively, the rider may be anywhere on the field.

In general, each team may be limited to a maximum of 10 players playing in a game. Player substitutes may be made at any point during the game. Generally, each team may be limited to four substitutions per quarter, for the purposes of game flow. Horse substitutes may occur at the end of each quarter. That is, each team may have a new set of four horses for each quarter of the game. Alternatively, any of these variables may be changed depending on, for example, the specific home court rules.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

1. A method for a horseback ball game, the method comprising: a first horseback player throwing a ball to a second horseback player; the second horseback player receiving the ball; a third horseback player receiving the ball; and a first receiver on an elevated platform receiving the ball after the second and third horseback players receive the ball.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the second horseback player throwing the ball to the third horseback player.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the first receiver remaining on the elevated platform while and after receiving the ball.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the first receiver leaving the elevated platform while receiving the ball.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising a fourth horseback player receiving the ball before the first receiver receives the ball.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the third horseback player throwing the ball to the fourth player.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the second horseback player throwing the ball back to the first horseback player before the third horseback player receives the ball.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first receiver on the elevated platform is a first horseless player on a barrel.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third horseback players and the first receiver are on a first team, and wherein the method further comprises: first, second and third opposing team horseback riders attempting to block the first team horseback rider from throwing the ball and the second and third first team horseback riders from receiving the ball.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising, after the first receiver receives the ball: the first opposing team horseback rider throwing the ball to the second opposing team horseback rider; the first, second and third opposing team horseback riders attempting to work the ball to a second receiver on a second elevated platform; and one of the first, second and third horseback riders on the first team blocking the opposing team from getting the ball to the second receiver on the second elevated platform.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising one or more regulators controlling starting and stoppage of play, and monitoring the horseback players for fouls.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second teams each consists of four horseback players and one receiver playing at a same time.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the ball is a softball.
 14. A horseback ball game playing field comprising: a horse-compatible playing surface; a first goal near a first end of the playing field, the first goal comprising a first elevated platform; a first marking on the playing surface surrounding the first goal and indicating a first score zone area; a second goal near a second end of the playing field opposite the first end, the second goal comprising a second elevated platform; and a second marking on the playing surface surrounding the second goal and indicating a second score zone area.
 15. The horseback ball game playing field of claim 14, wherein the playing field is a rodeo arena.
 16. The horseback ball game playing field of claim 14, wherein the first and second elevated platforms are barrels.
 17. The horseback ball game playing field of claim 14, wherein the first and second markings are chalk markings.
 18. The horseback ball game playing field of claim 14, wherein the first and second markings are circles, each circle having about a ten foot radius.
 19. The horseback ball game playing field of claim 14, wherein the first goal is disposed about thirty feet from the first end of the playing field, and the second goal is disposed about thirty feet from the second end of the playing field.
 20. The horseback ball game playing field of claim 14, wherein the horse-compatible playing surface is dirt. 